Torched: A Rough Firefighter Romance

by Piper Stone

  I gave her a slight smile. There were certain games I could play myself and no one was going to know.

  Dangerous? Only if the asshole fucked with me.

  Chapter Twelve

  Blaise

  “Don’t you fucking say her name one more time!” I threw out before slumping down on the bench, wrapping my hands around the cold steel bar of the weights.

  “You’re an asshole.” Jake folded his arms and stood off to the side.

  Glaring at him, I adjusted my body, preparing for the extensive set of weights. I waited, counting to ten. “You gonna spot me or just stand there lookin’ pretty?”

  “You really are an asshole.” Huffing, he walked around to the back of the bench, standing over me. I swear to God, he looked like some vulture prepared to peck at its kill.

  Inhaling, I lifted the weights, already straining from the increased amount. I’d been pushing myself in all things during these past two days, determined to get the fuck over her. Genevieve. My submissive. The woman who’d captured my heart. Yeah, all before ripping it from my body.

  “That’s too much weight.”

  Ignoring him, I brought the bar to my chest, breathing out as I lifted it again, repeating the entire process. At this point, my arms were shaking. I was a solid fifty pounds over my usual.

  Jake grabbed the bar with one hand, leaning over so he could make certain I noticed his dirty look. “I said. Too. Much. Weight.”

  “Fuck you.”

  “Fine. If you want to kill yourself, go for it.” He took a decided step backwards.

  Anger rushed deep inside, making me want to lash out at him, but he wasn’t to blame for all the shit going on. He’d tried to drag me out of my shell, but I was having nothing of it. I took a deep breath before forcing my arms to curl and this time, I knew there was no way I’d be able to get the bar back into position. “Aaahhh...”

  “See?” he muttered as he helped me hoist the bar back onto the clamps, metal clanging against metal. “Asshole.” He stormed away without giving me a second look.

  I waited until he just about ready to walk out before jabbing at him. “What the hell do you want me to do?”

  Stopping short, he dropped his head, but I could still see his exaggerated shakes, as if I was the dumbest person on earth. Maybe I was. I’d trusted her completely and she’d fucked me over. But not just me. The entire firefighting system.

  He snapped his body back in my direction, taking long strides until he stood just inches away. “Because you’re thinking with your dick instead of your head.”

  “For once, I am thinking with my head. You know what happened. You know exactly what she did.” The amount of fury made my muscles constrict and as I clamored off the bench, I almost tripped and fell.

  “Right. Even from what you told me, she was shocked her signatures were on those reports. Did you ever stop to think that her signature was forged?” Jake threw out, spittle popping from his mouth.

  “And why would the mayor bother?”

  “I don’t know. To make the shit look legit. To hide whatever is really going on. What better way than to have the person you hired sign off on exactly what you want to have happen?”

  I snagged a towel, wiping my face. What he said made some sense, but I couldn’t believe she could fall into the man’s trap. That is unless he had something on her. “I don’t know. I don’t care.”

  “Yeah, you do care. Jesus fucking H. Christ. Get your head out of your ass.”

  “Just stay out of this!” By this point, both David and Wally had ventured into the weight room before immediately backing out.

  Jake chuckled. “You’re not hiding your relationship from anyone, by the way. Even the captain had an idea that you were sleeping with her.”

  I snapped my head, hissing, “You mean you said something.”

  “Not me, buddy. I’m not your enemy and neither is Genevieve. Kinda easy to read, dude. You wear your heart on your sleeve.”

  “Great. Just what I need.”

  “Oh, come on. Give the rest of the guys a break. They might even want you happy, although not sure why since you’re such an ass,” Jake said as he grinned.

  “Say that one more time and I’m bustin’ yours.” I finally had to offer a smile. Jake was the only one who helped me keep my head on straight.

  “I don’t know all the details about what’s going on, but the rumor mill is insane. We can either take what Mayor Zane is dishing out or fight it. Besides, you know that the mayor is using her. I would bet on any blackjack game. If you do care about her, you have to figure out how and why. There’s some time before the council meeting. I suggest you try to talk to her. Hell, maybe even offer your help if you can get that stick out of your ass. Let her confide in you.”

  I’d already thought of this. And yes, I’d even driven by her house more than once. I’d also researched her story regarding her friend and little girl. Everything she’d said had been true and to date, the ex-husband had yet to be arrested. Did I feel guilty as fuck accusing her of lying about the tragedy? Yeah. The apology would happen at some point, even if she had no desire to talk to me.

  Damn, I missed the girl. I couldn’t stop thinking about the last time we were together, the openness, the freedom. The love. Shit. I’d been like some crazed kid from school with his first crush, but every moment spent had been so real. I still burned with raging desire and nothing else would be able to fill the black hole.

  “I can tell you’re thinking about it. Go see her.” Jake’s grin was wider.

  “And what do I say, that I jumped to conclusions? Maybe, but what if I didn’t?”

  He lifted a single eyebrow before rubbing his jaw. “You’re a pretty good judge of character. I’d think about that before you make any final decisions. Life is too short, buddy.”

  Something else my friend was right about.

  “By the way, that dead guy? The one that was tossed into the car?”

  “Yeah, what about him?”

  Jake shifted closer, taking guarded looks over his shoulder. When he spoke, his voice was lower. “I don’t know if this means anything, but Mr. Fabios has a huge group of friends with a lot of money.”

  “Yeah, I already know the mayor and him go way back.”

  “That’s not even what I’m talking about. Fabios was a big land developer but the last two jobs he had went south. Word on the street is that he and his buddies set up some new corporation, maybe to hide the fact he’d filed chapter 13. A lot of money changing hands and the majority under the table. If you know what I’m saying.”

  I snorted and slapped the towel across my shoulder. How in the hell did he know all this shit? “That the mayor is dirty. Tell me something I don’t know.”

  “I don’t think the mayor is a big player in this at all, but I heard the folks who are have powerful influence.”

  “And where do you hear this shit exactly?”

  “I do get around, my friend.” Jake winked.

  I gave him a shake of my head.

  “Okay. Okay. My uncle knows people, okay? He’s a retired cop. You know what that means. They investigate everything. My uncle isn’t happy unless there’s drama.”

  “Not sure what I can do about it.”

  “A dog to a bone. Remember?” After another grin, he cleared his throat.

  “Sure. I’ll bulldoze my way into the mayor’s office, see what I can find.” Exhaling, I couldn’t seem to get Genevieve off my mind. “I’ll think about talking to her. Maybe she’ll find the information useful.”

  “Better, but you’re still an asshole. And don’t just talk to her about work, you big jerk. Tenderness. You know how it goes.”

  “Said the man who has no idea about romance.”

  “Hey!” Jake snapped. “I’ll have you know that Becca and I are planning a trip to the islands and yes, together. Come on. Let’s grab a coffee.”

  We walked out of the weight room, giving each other a look when we heard the captain’s rai
sed voice behind closed doors.

  “He’s been like that since he heard the news. Arguing with one person after another. He’s not taking this forced retirement well. I just wonder who he’s going to choose. I mean, to let them go. Some shit we’re all facing. I’ll guess low man on the totem pole.”

  I nodded. “My guess is that the captain will be pressured to get rid of a more senior person.”

  Jake wrinkled his brow, nodding his head as if he knew exactly what I meant. “Fucking figures. We don’t matter for shit to anyone.”

  I was beginning to wonder about that myself. The mayor had the magical touch. Either that or a few councilmembers were already in his pocket. I was damn sure going to find out.

  “Well, the captain knows everybody in town just like my uncle. He’s dogged, just like you are. By the end of this, he’ll eat the mayor for breakfast with a dull spoon. You’ll see.”

  Shit, I wished I had his belief or his level of trust. At this point, trust was hard pressed to find. I was beginning to think there were more criminal elements in Charlotte than anyone was aware of.

  “You wanna grab a beer tonight?”

  “Nah. Got a few things to do. Thanks anyway.” Yeah, I had several things I was going to do, some of which might get me fired.

  “There you go!” Jake punched my arm, turning in a full circle. “Woo-hoo!”

  I wasn’t ready to see Genevieve, at least not yet, but I wasn’t going to tell him that. In fact, I wasn’t going to tell anyone anything right now. Seemed there were ears everywhere.

  * * *

  I left work early, taking the highway. The great thing about having a motorcycle was the ability to weave in and out of traffic, even when the majority of cars were barely doing over twenty miles per hour. Sure, I could get a citation for reckless driving, but the cop would have to catch me first. I barreled down the exit ramp, running the yellow light. I had no time to waste since this was Friday afternoon. If folks hadn’t left work early, they’d walk out the door at five on the nose.

  I found a spot close to the building and powered my way through the entrance. To the polished lawmen, I no doubt looked like some vigilante in my faded Levi’s and leather jacket, but I passed through security without question. I didn’t even get a single question about why I was here. Some security.

  Skipping the elevator, I opted for the stairs, taking them two at a time. I knew right where I was going. I’d been here on several occasions making my voice heard. I chuckled at the thought. No wonder I was on the mayor’s naughty list. Since the day he was elected, I’d been on his ass about something.

  The way I threw open the door terrified the pretty blonde receptionist, who jumped to her feet, her eyes open wide.

  “Mayor still here?”

  “Yes, he is but he’s just...”

  I know she was still talking, her voice getting louder as I took long strides down the hallway.

  “You can’t go in there!” she exclaimed just seconds before I did just that, tossing open the door with enough force the knob smashed into the wall.

  Mayor Zane was on his feet in a split second, his hand reaching under the lip of his desk until he recognized me. I figured a man like him would be packing. I’d certainly done some digging of my own into his past, sweet talking a receptionist at the man’s old firm in Jersey into providing just enough dirt; connections with the mafia, connections with the local law enforcement, hell, even connections with the governor.

  And all of it sounded corrupt to me.

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing, son?” The mayor plastered on his election-winning smile, even though his eyes held his anger.

  “Just wanted to talk to the mayor of this fine city.”

  “Mayor Zane. I tried to stop him. I really did. Do you want me to call the police?” The pretty blonde couldn’t take her eyes off my ass even as her lower lip quivered.

  “Don’t worry about it, Daphne. You can leave for the day. I have this all under control.” Mayor Zane’s voice dripped of sarcasm.

  “You sure? I mean, I could stay,” she little more than whispered.

  If I could read the body language between the two, I’d say she had been planning on doing just that before I interrupted. The man was a real pig.

  “No, just go home. Everything will be just fine.”

  She darted her eyes back in my direction, pursing her lips. Two weeks ago, I would have flirted my ass off just to make a point. Not today. Not since... I shook off the rattling thoughts. Genevieve wasn’t here, and I had my doubts we could find our way back to each other.

  “Okay. If you need anything, just call,” she said, hesitating for another few seconds before backing out and closing the door.

  His smile quickly faded after she left. Leaning over his desk, he snarled, “What the hell do you want, boy? I have a busy schedule.”

  “I’m certain you do. This won’t take long.” I walked closer, giving him a once-over, my upper lip curling. “You threatened Genevieve.”

  “Why, I did no such thing. She’s a valued employee and one that I recruited myself. But then again, you already knew that, didn’t you, boy?”

  The demeaning comments were meant to rile me and while they did, this fucker certainly wasn’t going to know it. “What I know is that she took you at your word that you were going to give her autonomy in her job. Then you betrayed her trust, not only signing off on reports that had no merit but also by pushing people out of a job.”

  His smile returned. “We all have jobs to do. The reports are all Ms. Gregory’s. Her signature is on every one of them.”

  “As if you expect me to believe that. You lied to her and you’re lying to the entire city. Whatever your intentions are, I am going to find out and trust me, when I do, you’re going to be sorry you ever set foot in this town.”

  “Sounds like a threat, boy. I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” The mayor’s eyes narrowed.

  “That’s a direct promise, Mayor and one I intend on keeping. Genevieve is working hard against several odds. I think you knew exactly what she’d be forced to face, and I also think you believed you could control her. The bullshit about what happened in Texas? What a load of crap. You can spin that story any way you like, but folks in Texas? They actually care about each other. I don’t give a shit what you try to do to me, but if you fuck with Genevieve again, my promise will double and in ways that will become your nightmare.”

  When he said nothing, I gave him a curt nod and moved toward the door. At least he knew I was onto him.

  “Son, you might think Genevieve is that special woman, but I assure you, she’s not who you think she is.”

  I laughed, barely darting him a glance. “I do know her, Mayor. You have no idea about the woman inside.”

  “Oh, don’t I?”

  The words hung in the air and damn if I didn’t bite, turning around and glaring at him. “Fuck you.” I wanted to wipe the smile off his face permanently.

  “If you don’t think so, I suggest you swing by the Red Door club tonight, say after ten. Then you’re going to know exactly what Genny is made of.” He buttoned his suit jacket and turned off his computer. “I’ve known Genny for almost two years, some of them intimately. I spent a lot of time in Atlanta. Even had a little place there for a while. I’m certain you understand what I’m saying. She is a special woman, which is why she gladly accepted my offer to work with me. You were nothing to her but a method of gleaning additional information.”

  I bit back a retort, clenching my fists. The man had actually gotten under my skin.

  He stood to his full height, tilting his head. “A pity that you’re going to be caught in the middle of this. I plan on making certain Charlotte is a city to be proud of. We don’t need broken-down cowboys who cause trouble adding to the mix. Do you get what I’m saying, boy?”

  “Heed my promise, Mayor. You have no idea what I’m made of. None. Have a wonderful evening.” As I walked out, I could feel all the energy draining f
rom my body. However, if this man wanted a fight, he was going to get one.

  * * *

  “Whoa. You’re serious about this,” Jake said quietly as he hung over his beer.

  “Hell, yeah. The fucker doesn’t know who he messed with.” I’d made a few additional calls, physically talking to two city councilmembers, threatening one. I knew there wouldn’t be any others who would talk to me, but word would get around I was on the warpath.

  “And did you try to call Genevieve?”

  I fiddled with the beer bottle, digging at the label. “Once,” I lied. I wanted to find out everything I could before Monday, including if what the mayor said held any truth. I couldn’t fathom that she’d be involved with the prick. There was no way. Whatever happened, I planned on crashing the special council meeting. First things first, expose the man as the lying sack of shit that he was. “Did you get anything on the Red Door club?”

  “I don’t think this is such a good idea. The jerk is just goading you.”

  “I know, but if there’s any ounce of truth, I need to know now.”

  Jake took a long pull on his beer before easing his fingers into his back pocket. “I don’t like this at all, dude. I really don’t. Made a few calls. Met a guy with more information.”

  “Spill it.”

  “Where you’re going is off limits for the majority of good folk in this town.” Jake snickered. “One of the dudes up at Ladder 32 told me about it in passing. I checked it out for you. You’re sure you want to do this?” He slid the card across the top of the bar. “My buddy was able to get a single invitation but just for one night. Hard to come by.”

  “Please don’t tell me this place is some brothel.”

  Jake shook his head. “Don’t be ridiculous. This is a special club where almost anything goes, within certain rules of course. The yearly fees are more than we make in six months so enjoy it while you can. What Martin told me about this place is like, whew, baby. Way out of my league.”

  I caught the inflection, knew what he was talking about. Jake’s tastes were not nearly as dark as mine, although we’d talked little about BDSM in any capacity. Should prove interesting to say the least. “I know what I’m doing.”